1962 Map of Jacks Butte

About this map

XL Ranch Indian Reservation sits at the heart of this high-altitude landscape, illustrating the complex land use patterns of northeastern California. The terrain is characterized by a high concentration of water management features, including the MDOC Reservoirs, Deadhorse Flat Reservoir, and the Surveyors Valley Reservoir, which suggest a landscape heavily utilized for ranching and seasonal grazing. Small settlements and family operations like Round Valley Ranch and Hastings Ranch are linked by a network of unimproved roads and jeep trails, while the Southern Pacific railroad line cuts through the southwestern corner near Ambrose. Natural features like Boles Meadows and Fairchild Swamp punctuate the Modoc National Forest, defining the drainage patterns through Round Valley and the Antelope Plains. The presence of several tanks and springs, such as Essex Spring and Six-Shooter Tank, underscores the importance of water security in this volcanic plateau region.